Boat cover

ABSTRACT

A boat docking system having supports, a boat lift and a roof, the roof covering the dock. A fixed cover disposed over the boat dock and beneath the roof, the fixed cover attached to the supports by support brackets. The fixed cover includes a tarp having a roof and walls defining a covered space into which the boat lift can raise the boat. The fixed cover reduces the need for hard to handle traditional boat covers that attach directly to the boat to keep dust, dirt and insects out of the boat during a period of storage.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applicant claims priority under 35 USC 119e to provisional application No. 60/357,312 filed Oct. 28, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In boating there is a need to store a boat when the boat is not in use. Specifically, with small boats used for pleasure there can be long periods of time when the boat is not in use and must be stored. In some climates a boat may be stored for several months during the winter season.

It is common practice to store a boat under a covered dock and for the boat to be raised out of the water on a lift. The covered dock generally protects the boat from the elements during periods of storage. However, most boat owners find that the roof of the dock is usually not enough protection for the boat. Sunlight can still reach the boat causing UV damage to some materials. Rain and snow can still blow into the boat, and dust and dirt will quickly cover the interior of the boat stored under just a roof Thus it has also become common practice to also cover a boat stored under a dock roof The boat is typically covered with a fitted tarp that attaches directly to the boat by tying for example. While the combination of the dock roof and cover provides fairly good protection for the boat the large covers are difficult to handle. Pleasure boats can commonly be found in the 14-50 foot range, to cover such a boat with a tarp can be difficult and time consuming and with the larger boats may require several people to handle the tarp.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,019,212 to Downer shows one prior art approach to handle the need to cover a boat when not in use. Downer provides a cover assembly 31 that includes a tarp that is supported by a frame. With this arrangement a boat can be pulled in under the raised cover assembly 31 and the cover assembly can be lowered on to the boat while the boat can be raised out of the water. The lift of Downer requires two winches 19 and 58 one to raise the boat out of the water and the other to control the position of the cover assembly. The device of Downer also provides only the tarp cover as the sole cover. Experience has shown that a tarp cover alone can weather very quickly and require frequent replacement. The single cover will tend to form pools of ice, snow and water that within a few seasons will begin to leak into the boat. Springs 52 are provided in an attempt to prevent this pooling but typically can not provide enough tension, particularly on a large boat in icing conditions and as aging promotes sag.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,901 to Mitchell discloses a boat dock with a pole frame and roof. In this patent the roof is a canvas or tarp material tied on to cover a pole frame. FIG. 2 of the patent discloses that the device can include sides to enclose a boat. Such an arrangement attempts to reduce the exposure of the boat to the elements. This device again requires a substantial amount of work to operate each time a boat is taken in or out. The large sides must be raised and lowered. Also the arrangement is expensive as it requires a large amount of material that is still subject to UV damage in sunlight. Again the arrangement will sag over time unless the ropes are continually tightened and if the ropes are tightened on a regular basis the UV damage and exposure will lead to tearing around the points where the ropes are attached.

As can be seen there is a need for a boat dock that is easy to use and requires a minimum of time to launch and store a boat. There is a need for a docking system that is low cost and that will protect a boat from damage from the elements without itself being damaged. There is a need for a boat docking system that one person can easily operate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a boat docking system.

The present invention provides a docking system that covers a boat first with a rigid roof and then with a soft cover. The cover can be of any material and is supported from the dock structure.

The present invention provides a dual boat cover that will provide economical protection from the elements. The device can be retrofit onto an existing dock. The present invention provides a dual fixed roof dock system into which the boat is raised by the dock boat lift. The boat can by raised by any conventional boat lift device.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a view of the dock system with a boat in a lower position;

FIG. 2 shows the boat in the raised protected position;

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the frame with the cover removed;

FIG. 4 shows details of the frame;

FIG. 5 shows additional details of the frame;

FIG. 6 shows details of an alternate embodiment frame; and

FIG. 7 shows details of the alternate embodiment dock system of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE

FIG. 1 shows a view of the dock system 10 with a boat B. The boat B is pulled under the dock system 10 such that it is covered by dock roof 12. A cover 14 is also provided under the dock roof 12. The cover 14 can include a vent 16 in one or both ends of the cover 14, the vent 16 will allow trapped moisture, fuel and exhaust fumes to escape. The cover 14 can include a frame 40 (see FIG. 3) supporting a cover tarp 100. The cover tarp 100 can include roof sections 102, end walls 104 and side walls 106. The side wall 106 can include an opening 108 to assist a user in getting in and out, the opening could be operated by a zipper or Velcro for example. The cover tarp 100 can be made from a thin flexible material such as canvas, plastic sheet, cloth, net, vinyl or multi-layer sheet for example.

FIG. 1 shows a boat lift 20 in its lower position where most of the lift 20 is submerged in the water W. A variety of boat lifts are currently on the market including lifts that work mechanically and lifts that work by displacing water from a submerged tank to float the lift, the dock system 10 could work with any type of lift 20. FIG. 1 also shows the dock deck 22 that has upright roof supports 24 and the roof 12 on the roof supports 24. Boat dock deck 22 is shown as a floating deck but the dock system 10 would also work with a fixed boat dock deck

FIG. 2 shows the dock system 10 with the boat B in the raised position on the lift 20. In this case tanks 32 are filled with air to raise the boat B. Boat lifts 20 will typically have some type of guide such as guide rail 26 that position the boat B so that it will always be in the same position relative to the dock system 10 as it is raised.

FIG. 3 shows details of a frame structure 40 that supports the cover tarp 100. For purposes of illustrating the frame 40 it is shown with the cover tarp 100 removed. Support brackets 44 are attached to the roof supports 24. The frame 40 is typically assembled on the ground and then raised as a unit into place on the support brackets 44. It would also be possible to assemble the frame 40 piece by piece onto the support brackets 44 and in some cases it may be necessary to at least partially assemble the frame 40 after it is raised onto the support brackets 44. The support brackets 44 include a hooks 46 over which the horizontal pipes 50 of the frame 40 are placed. The frame 40 can consist of pipe sections 50, 52, 56 and 58 connected by Joint elements 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98. Typically the pipe sections 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 will have the same outside diameter but can be of different lengths depending upon position on the frame 40. The joint elements 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98 are each configured to receive and join the pipes at connecting points. Though shown as pipe and connector any structural element could be used to form the frame 40 such as channel, I beam, solid or angle cross sectional elements for example. The best mode contemplated is for the frame 40 to be made from galvanized metal elements though other materials such as other metals, plastic or wood could be used for the frame for example. The frame 40 can be built using similar construction to that used for building outdoor awnings or greenhouses for example. The frame 40 could also be a welded assembly. Springs 76 can be used to attach the cover tarp 100 as shown in FIG. 4. The frame 40 is shown made attached to three roof supports 24. It will be understood that the frame 40 can be made to fit docks of any length and with any number of roof supports 24 by simply adding more length to pipes 50 and more associated connectors to extend the length of the frame. Length and width of the frame 40 can also be controlled by cutting pipes 50, 52 and 56 to desired lengths. By cutting pipe length and adding pipes the dock system 10 can be retrofit to any existing dock width or length.

FIG. 4 shows the details associated with joint element 94 of which there can be 4, one on each corner of the frame 40. The joint element 94 connects a horizontal side wall pipe 50 (shown in cross section) to a horizontal end pipe 56 and to a roof pipe 52. The joints can be a slip fit with a pipe end and can include a threaded set screw thumb lock 200 for each pipe opening to lock each pipe 50, 52, 56 to the connector 94. The horizontal side wall pipe 50 is supported by hook 46 on support bracket 44 which in turn is attached to roof support 24. Bracket brace 48 strengthens the support bracket 44. The hook 46 passes through a hole (60) in the cover tarp 100. The cover tarp 100 can include a flap 72 of material attached to the inside of cover tarp 100 at attachment point 74. The flap 72 is used to attach the cover tarp 100 to the frame 40. Springs 76 attach to a hole 73 in the flap 72 and then the spring 76 can be stretched and attached to hole 80 in roof pipe 52. The flap 72 can run the entire length of the cover tarp 100 on each side wall 106 and can include a metal bar (not shown) running the length of the cover tarp 100 such that the holes 73 are reinforced by the bar so that the springs 76 will not rip out over time or in a strong wind. The connections at joint 90 along the side walls 106 look similar to that for joint 94 except that the pipe 56 may not be needed and there would be ends of two pipes 50 present at connectors 90. The cover 100 can also include slits or openings 60 that allow the hooks 46 to pass through the cover 100

FIG. 5 shows details of connections 92 and 98. Connector 98 accepts two pipes 52 and one horizontal pipe 50 and one end of vertical end pipe 58. Connector 92 accepts two horizontal end pipes 56 and the other end of vertical end pipe 58. Thumb locks 200 can be used to lock each pipe end to each connector. Tarp cover 100 is attached to the frame 40 as shown in FIG. 4 and so no connection is required at the top of the frame 40.

In operation, and referring to FIGS. 1-5, the frame 40 is assembled. Mounting brackets 44 are attached to roof supports 24 and the frame 40 can be lifted into place with sidewall horizontal pipes 50 resting on hooks 46. The cover 100 may be placed over the frame 40, each hook 46 may need to be aligned and placed through each hole 60. Thumb locks 200 can be loosened at some or all connections so that the frame 40 can be adjusted to fit the position of the hooks 46. In this process the shape of the frame 40 is changed so that it matches the required shape of an existing dock. Specifically, it may be desirable to loosen the thumb locks 200 and push the side wall horizontal pipes 50 in tight against the hooks 46 to help lock the entire cover 14 to the dock system 10. Once the frame 40 is positioned then the loose thumb locks 200 can be tightened to maintain the frame 40 position and shape.

Once the dock system 10 is fully assembled with the cover 14 in place under the roof 12 a boat B can be brought under the cover 14 as shown in FIG. 1 and raised into place as shown in FIG. 2. Though not shown, accessories such as zippered openings, interior lights, security items such as locks or alarms, interior storage and windows can be added to the cover 14. The vent 16 allows some air to circulate and allows exhaust and fuel vapors from the boat to exit the cover 14. Alternatively the cover 14 could be made of a mesh material that would allow some air and light to pass through the walls 104,106 and/or roof 102 of the cover 14 while preventing the passage of most dirt and rain from outside. The cover tarp 100 can be made in one piece without seams to reduce any risk of leaking and to extend the product life. Also double layers of material can be attached to wear points on the tarp cover 100 such as points where wind may cause the tarp cover 100 to wear on a connector. The roof 102 and walls 104, 106 form a covered space into which the boat can be lifted. The side walls 104, 106 can be made longer to more completely cover of hide the boat B as desired.

FIG. 6 shows a portion of an alternate embodiment, with like structure numbered the same as the embodiment of FIG. 1. The frame 140 includes mounting sleeves 146. In this embodiment, mounting sleeves 146 slide on to the pipes 50. Each mounting sleeve 146 includes a threaded fastener 156 that attaches the mounting sleeve 146 to the horizontal arm 152. The horizontal arm 152 can be attached to the support bracket 144 and bracket brace 148. The flaps 172 loop under the pipe 50 and are anchored to the roof section 202 of the cover 204. Springs 76 pull the flaps 172 tight to hold the cover 204 in place. A plurality of flaps 172 can be used with each cover 204 to hold the pipe along the length of each pipe 50.

FIG. 7 shows details of the support bracket 144 embodiment of FIG. 6. The mounting sleeve 146 includes a threaded fastener 156 that passes through a slot 160 in horizontal arm 152. The threaded fastener can be attached to the horizontal arm by nut 162. In use the support brackets 144 and mounting sleeves 146 can be assembled to the frame with the mounting sleeves 146 over the pipes 50. With the support brackets 144 in place on the roof supports 24 the frame 140 can be lifted onto the support arms 144 with the pipes 50 or mounting sleeves 146 on the horizontal arms 152. Then, with the weight of the frame 140 supported, the mounting sleeves can be slid along pipes 50 until fasteners 156 line up with slots 160. The frame 140 can be made to fit closely to a specific boat that may use the dock 10.

Though not shown, the bottom of walls 106 could include a cable or rope running through the bottom edge of all 4 walls that could be synched tight with the boat B in the raised position. This rope would hold the cover 100 tight to the boat further limiting the ability of dirt or insects to get into the boat B while stored. The rope or cable would still be easy for one person to tighten and loosen with the boat in the raised position. Although the invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that adaptations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims: 

1. A boat dock system comprising; a boat dock having roof supports and a rigid roof, said rigid roof covering said dock, a fixed cover disposed over said boat dock and beneath said rigid roof; said fixed cover attached to said roof supports.
 2. The boat dock system of claim 1 including a boat lift disposed below said cover such that a boat can be driven on to said lift and raised out of the water beneath said cover.
 3. The boat dock system of claim 1 wherein said cover includes a wall and roof such that said cover wall and roof forms a covered space into which a boat is lifted by said lift.
 4. The boat dock system of claim 3 wherein said cover includes a rigid framework attached to said roof supports and said cover includes a flexible cover tarp draped over said framework.
 5. The boat dock system of claim 4 including springs to attach said cover tarp to said rigid frame.
 6. The boat dock system of claim 5 wherein said rigid frame includes support brackets clamped to said roof supports such that said rigid frame rests on said support brackets.
 7. A fixed boat cover for use in conjunction with a boat dock having a roof and a boat lift, said fixed boat cover comprising; a cover tarp disposable over said boat lift and beneath said roof; said rigid frame attachable to said boat dock, said rigid frame supporting said cover tarp; said cover tarp including a roof and walls defining a covered space above water into which the boat can be raised.
 8. The fixed boat cover of claim 7 wherein said rigid frame includes pipes and pipe connectors.
 9. The fixed boat cover of claim 8 wherein ends of said pipes fit into openings in said pipe connectors and wherein said pipe connectors include means to lock said pipe and pipe connectors together.
 10. The fixed boat cover of claim 8 wherein said cover tarp is attached to said rigid frame by springs.
 11. The fixed boat cover of claim 10 wherein said tarp cover includes flap connectors attached to an inside surface of said tarp cover and wherein said springs are connected to said flaps to attach said cover tarp to said rigid frame.
 12. A boat dock system comprising; a boat dock having supports, a boat lift and a roof, said roof covering said dock, a fixed cover disposed over said boat dock and beneath said roof; said fixed cover attached to said supports and said fixed cover having walls defining a covered space into which said boat lift can raise said boat.
 13. The boat dock of claim 12 wherein the supports support the roof
 14. The boat dock of claim 12 wherein said fixed cover includes a pipe frame.
 15. The boat dock of claim 14 including support brackets attached to said supports and wherein said pipe frame is supported from said support brackets and wherein said pipe frame includes connections that can be locked to maintain a shape of said frame and that can be unlocked to allow the shape of said frame to be changed.
 16. The boat dock of claim 15 wherein springs attach said cover tarp to said frame.
 17. The boat dock of claim 16 wherein said tarp cover includes flaps attached to an inside surface of said tarp cover and wherein said springs are connected to said flaps to attach said cover tarp to said frame.
 18. The boat dock of claim 17 wherein said walls include a vent adjacent said roof.
 19. The boat dock of claim 18 wherein said walls include at least one zipper.
 20. The boat dock of claim 18 wherein the fixed cover is attached to an existing dock. 